Koala overlay doesn't save trees near Bunkers Hill, says resident

There are rules on fences, and 

But some residents, in bushy Bunkers Hill, are not impressed with the process for saving trees from being cut down on private land.

Conservationist Sandy Beach said 12 trees on a neighbouring property had been earmarked for coming down.

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She protested, leading to a meeting with council and the landowner, and said while the meeting was amiable, council still decided to remove trees.

“The trees are old growth trees in a koala overlay,” she said.

“At the recent meeting I asked council and (the Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning) have they ever said no to a tree being cut down, and both parties said no.

“Is it just a good will project in name only?”

Ms Beach asked why there was a need for the overlay if the trees were still going to be removed.

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Council’s infrastructure and environment director Terry Demeo said a planning permit application needs to be lodged, which considers the habitat trees would provide and surrounding vegetation – these are judged on individual merits.

“This information is reviewed by our in-house vegetation officer, DEWLP via referral and, in some instances, engaging external expertise to provide advice,” he said.

“With all this advice to hand, the planning officer will consider the proposal’s merits from an environmental perspective and also balance the other planning scheme policy and zone provisions to determine the most appropriate course of action.”

Anyone approved to remove trees may have conditions to plant offsets, with a 10-year management plan.

The landowner was contacted for comment.

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